LEINSTER SFC SEMI-FINAL: Laois v Kildare:SEÁN DEMPSEY has effectively and successfully amended Laois's playing style by bulking up around the middle third and reducing the dependence on the running game by introducing more variety.
They will need the extra physicality to counter Kildare’s well-practised power game. Very fit and mobile, Kieran McGeeney’s side have brushed aside Offaly and Wexford, two of the past three defeated Leinster finalists – Laois are the third – and are within one match of fulfilling the pre-championship expectation they will reach a first provincial final in six years.
McGeeney’s achievement in bringing Kildare back from the brink of last year’s humiliation by Wicklow has been impressive even if they were unlucky not to make it back to Division One of the NFL.
There are questions Laois must answer if they are to upset the odds: Dermot Earley’s form at centrefield must be stymied and the defence must get to grips with the two-four configuration Kildare use in attack. The space between the 45s is likely to be the ultimate cockpit of this semi-final. Laois are well equipped to contest or disrupt aerial ball and wing players such as Brendan Quigley and John O’Loughlin bring a physical presence to the battle for possession.
One aspect of the performance in the quarter-final that surprised Louth was the relative impact of Laois’s forwards. The bigger-name full forwards, MJ Tierney, Ross Munnelly and Donie Kingston managed just two points from play whereas the greater industry in the middle of the field also yielded the bulk of the scores.
Something for Laois to watch will be the concession of scoring opportunity. Louth kicked just four points from 13 chances in the first half, a profligate display that hindered their late rally. Kildare will be more clinical with John Doyle steady as ever but not as burdened and James Kavanagh and Alan Smith chipping in 1-3 apiece against Wexford to go with the 0-3 and 1-1 they hit against Offaly.
KILDARE: T Corley; H McGrillen, M Foley, E Bolton; M O'Flaherty, B Flanagan, M Conway; D Flynn, D Earley; R Sweeney, P O'Neill, J Kavanagh; E Callaghan, A Smith, J Doyle.
LAOIS:M Nolan; C Ryan, M Timmons, R Stapleton; D Rooney, G Reddin, J O'Loughlin; P Clancy, K Meaney; B Quigley, B McCormack, P O'Leary; MJ Tierney, R Munnelly, D Kingston.
Referee:David Coldrick (Meath).
In the last episode:Kildare will want to forget the last meeting between the counties, back in 2005, when Laois ran riot, winning by 12, 0-21 to 0-9, on the way to a Leinster final.
You bet: Kildare 8/15, Laois 19/10 and 15/ 2 the draw.
On your marks: So far this year Kildare's centrefield has been a cut above their opponents', but this evening promises to be a genuine challenge. Pádraig Clancy and Kevin Meaney will have the physique to compete with Dermot Earley, in his best form for a long time, and Darryl Flynn.
Gaining ground:Tullamore is more familiar to Laois than to Kildare, although Seán Dempsey's side has to go back six years for a last appearance in championship, a replay win over Offaly.
Just the ticket:The stand is ticketed at €30. Terraces €20.
Crystal gazing:Kildare's game is in good working order and the favourites have enough self- belief to cope with what promises to be a tightly contested fixture.
